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Women’s Lobby is pleased with Jacob Zuma’s cabinet gender balance

South African President Jacob Zuma [1]
South African President Jacob Zuma

The Zambia National Women’s Lobby is pleased with South African President Jacob Zuma’s appointment of 15 women into his 35 member cabinet.

This number which represents about 42.8 percent representation of women in the government’s highest decision making organ is a step in the right direction as the absence of women from political decision-making has a negative impact on the entire process development.

We are further encouraged that 43 percent of the South African parliament is female , a clear indication that the attainment of the 50 percent women’s representation in public affairs and other important offices will soon be achieved.

It is however important to note that South Africa is attaining gender parity in decision making positions partly because of the Proportional Representation Electoral system that the country is practicing, which enhances the likelihood of representatives from minority or marginalised groups such as women and the disabled to be included in decision making positions.

Proportional Representation also ensures that there is greater consensus in policy making and attainment of equitable development. We therefore implore the Zambian Government through the leadership of his Excellency President Michael Sata to consider adopting the Proportional Representation Electoral system as a mode of election to enhance democracy and the participation of the minority groups in the electoral process.

While it is true that Zambia as a country may not meet the benchmark of the SADC Declaration on Gender and Development of ensuring that there is 50% representation of men and women in all decision making positions by 2015 , we can still emulate other countries in the SADC region like South Africa and Lesotho (at local government level) who have managed to increase the number of women in decision making positions through affirmative action, like the reviewing of legal frameworks for more women to assume decision making positions.

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#1 Comment By ZP(Zabwino Palibe) On May 28, 2014 @ 7:27 pm

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#2 Comment By 2020vision On May 28, 2014 @ 7:42 pm

Bushe bana mayo tabakweti ifya kuchita shuwa?? Of all things you want to waste time talking about Jacob Zumu’s cabinet??? Will any South African even give two cents thinking about Zambians and our political environment??? Let’s be serious abena Zed..our women right here in Zambia are facing problems in the rural areas they need empowerment and that’s where such lobby groups should focus their efforts on, not on Jacob Zuma’s cabinet please!!!!

#3 Comment By soby On May 29, 2014 @ 7:09 am

did they say anything about Joice next door?

#4 Comment By Jay Jay On May 28, 2014 @ 8:32 pm

Jacob Zuma is another sideshow, this is the last person the women’s lobby should be praising! !

#5 Comment By maikalange On May 29, 2014 @ 7:08 am

Maybe they are lining up for his Hareem!!

#6 Comment By Paul H On May 28, 2014 @ 9:42 pm

I wonder how many of them will be having his child by the end of 2014??

#7 Comment By musondafddcb On May 28, 2014 @ 10:15 pm

Women are important to the development of Nation Zambia.Let them involve and support each other for 2016 zambia needs i woman president who is not just a woman but someone was the First Finance minister in this Country ,Energy minister who electrified all the markets and other areas,and political experience than men who have not been branch or ward chairmen .what mangic are they going to use for them to perform.Viva women it is your time to work and show men that you can do it . Yes you can and yes you will do it.VIVA EDITH and FDD state house is for Women

#8 Comment By Stirflow On May 29, 2014 @ 2:10 pm

So putting up fi Nawakwi at markets is something to be very proud of? I can just imagine campaigning: ‘vote for me and i’ll put up lighting at all markets’

#9 Comment By UMWAUME On May 29, 2014 @ 2:21 am

He wanted to increase more women for his fuukking appetite. Of all the presidents you praise Zuma iyo mayo tamwakwata fyakucita. You never know maybe he has already hammered them hahahahahaha

#10 Comment By CISECHE BANDA On May 29, 2014 @ 7:47 am

Yes, Zuma may have his weaknesses, but gentlemen he has realised that we women are a big resource in development. Rwanda is an example. Please dont get your biases in issues of developing our country. Women oye, we will get there. We in Zambia have well educated, capable women. Stop your discrimination thinking women are for bed only. Shame on you!

#11 Comment By PYSCHOLOGIST On May 29, 2014 @ 9:17 am

AIKONA…women are easily crooked…thats why they are womanised EASILY….That man is known for serious womanising in that zululand bakashana…mukumbwa ne fya ku milya!!!!!